What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pre-BSN Student Coordinator position at University of Central Arkansas?
The Pre-BSN Student Coordinator is to assist students in their growth and development by constructing meaningful educational plans which are compatible with their life goals. It is a continuous and consistent process which is built upon the basis of frequent, accumulated personal contacts between advisor and advisee. The Pre-BSN Student Coordinator is responsible for assessing, and counseling individuals and providing individual/group education and vocational guidance services. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
1. Pre-Nursing Advising
- Continuously counsel and advise all UCA undergraduate Pre-Nursing students from the first day of orientation until graduation.
- Educate Pre-Nursing BSN students, and other potential students, with understanding and scheduling of curriculum, registration, drop/add, university policies, etc.
- Educate transfer students with understanding and scheduling of curriculum, registration, drop/add, university policies, etc.
- Educate post-baccalaureate students with understanding and scheduling of curriculum, registration, drop/add, university policies, etc.
- Develop plans of study for all Pre-Nursing BSN students
- Guide the Pre-BSN student towards specific goals and objective outcomes.
- Maintain current knowledge regarding UCA admission, transfer, and degree requirements.
- Maintain current knowledge regarding Financial Aid requirements to ensure students comply with their scholarship requirements throughout the year.
- Maintain current knowledge of nursing admissions, information, standards, and other nursing programs in the state of Arkansas.
- Review test scores/high school GPA and enroll undergraduate Pre-BSN transitional students in courses.
- Explore options with Pre-Nursing students placed on academic probation, academic alert, and/or academic suspension.
- Manage the progress of “at-risk” students during the progress report timeline and provide success coaching and additional support to the student.
- Refer the student to other departments on campus as needed for additional support.
- Serve as the School of Nursing liaison with fellow academic advisors in support departments regarding prerequisite courses (e.g., Biology, Math, Psychology, etc.).
- Continuously audit degree progression for potential admission of Pre-Nursing students to ensure all requirements are met (BSN student audits).
- Attend Advising Summer Orientation Training
- Attend UCA Campus Partners monthly meetings.
2. Pre-Nursing Admission
- Collaborate and review with the School of Nursing Director, Undergraduate Program Coordinator, and Administrative Assistant on the entire admissions process.
- Assist and review qualifications in the ranking of all qualified and non-qualified Pre-Nursing BSN applicants.
- Monitor the progression of all Pre-Licensure BSN qualified students to maintain accurate information.
- Verify data and reports used in the ranking of all Pre-Nursing BSN applicants.
- Onboard Transfer Students and verify transfer credit and outstanding transcripts in compliance with DegreeWorks.
- Collaborate with conditionally admitted Pre-Licensure BSN students regarding outstanding prerequisite requirements.
- Collaborate with the School of Nursing Program Coordinator to aid BSN student progression.
- Meet with students who are not qualified to attend the Nursing program and discuss alternative options.
3. Sample Degree Plans (SDP)/Bulletin Updates
- Contribute to the School of Nursing departmental reports requiring student data and application admission historical data.
- Coordinate with the School of Nursing Director and Program Coordinator to update Sample Degree Plans (SDP)
4. School of Nursing Committees
- Serve as a member of the SON Faculty Staff Organization – prepare and deliver the Education Counselor Report for the SON faculty and staff.
- Serve as a member of the Nursing Joint Council – develops, revises, and recommends policies and procedures based on research findings with faculty and staff.
- Serve as a member of the Nursing Staff Council – serve in an advisor capacity to the Director and SON Staff
- Serve as permanent members of UGAAA and work on task-force groups as needed.
- Serve as a member of SON Evaluation and Quality Assurance committee (EQAC) and work on task-force groups as needed.
- Provide weekly updates to the School of Nursing Staff Council
5. Recruitment
- Create and present at SOAR and Admitted Student Day for the School of Nursing
- Present at New Student Orientation during Welcome Week for incoming Pre-BSN students
- Participate in recruitment events such as Bear Facts Day, Bear Fair, and Majors Fair
- Receive and respond to all pre-licensure inquiries year-round.
- Ensure all Pre-Nursing advising materials and documents are up to date and complete.
- Participate in School of Nursing recruitment activities for Pre-BSN students as needed.
6. Collaboration
- Collaborate with fellow advisors to provide students with information on other programs, interests, and majors at UCA.
- Develop and foster relationships with College of Health and Behavior Sciences advisors.
- Network with Nursing Education Counselors from other institutions to assist students with information regarding options for other programs, if needed
- Network with ROTC to ensure students are fulfilling all requirements.
7. Personal Development
- Develop and foster relationships both on campus and off campus with other universities, hospitals, and nursing programs.
- Participate in professional organizations at the state (ARKAAN) and national (NACADA) level every year for education on current advising practices.
- Conduct research of interest to the profession & disseminate findings to fellow staff and faculty.
- Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education.
- Knowledge of student development theory.
- Knowledge of policies and procedures relating to admissions and registration.
- Knowledge of available college and community resources and/or programs.
- Skill in delivering classroom and public presentations.
- Skill in prioritizing and managing multiple tasks.
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team.
- Ability to make sound judgments and assist in resolving student concerns.
- Ability to defuse an emotional or tense situation and offer viable solutions.
- Ability to work with diverse students.
- Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form.
- Civility in all interactions of a public or confidential nature.
- Positive attitude and willingness to help students be successful.
- Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education.
- Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures.
- Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team.
- Ability to make sound judgments.
- Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities.
- Civility in all interactions.
- Demonstrate effective follow-up.
The formal education equivalent of a master’s degree in student affairs, education, counseling, communication, psychology, or related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management.
OTHER JOB-RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Preferred Education and/or Experience
These qualification and characteristics are critical to success in this important role in the UCA School of Nursing. Please clarify in your application materials the experiences, successes, and techniques evidencing how you bring these strengths:
- Master’s Degree in student affairs, education, counseling, communication, psychology, or related field and one year of experience in counseling or a related field OR demonstration of knowledge of student development/student retention theory and best practices.
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, including but not limited to students of color, individuals who are non-native English speakers, individuals with pre-college academic skills, first generation college students, and individuals experiencing disability.
- Demonstrated commitment to student success through application of holistic, developmental, and personalized advising strategies.
- Considerable knowledge of and experience practicing inclusive, culturally responsive, and unbiased service delivery.
- Demonstrated understanding of advising philosophies, and theoretical frameworks, such as NACADA Core Values, and CAS Standards of Advising.
- Strong public speaking, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational, time management, and task management skills.
- Ability to use current and new technology effectively to support advising related activities including accessing data, connecting with students, and managing records.
Thank you for your interest in employment at the University of Central Arkansas.
Founded in 1907, UCA has an enrollment of more than 10,000 students and employs over 1,300 full-time employees. The university offers more than 85 undergraduate and 59 graduate certificate and degree programs, including doctoral programs in five disciplines. UCA is proud of its tradition of teaching excellence and its contributions in research, scholarship, and creative activities.
Desired start date 08/16/2026
Founded in 1907, UCA has an enrollment of more than 10,000 students and employs over 1,300 full-time employees. The university offers more than 85 undergraduate and 59 graduate certificate and degree programs, including doctoral programs in five disciplines. UCA is proud of its tradition of teaching excellence and its contributions in research, scholarship, and creative activities.
Position Summary and Qualifications
License(s)/Certifications
Not required
Physical Demands Checklist
Sitting, Standing, Lifting/Carrying, Walking
Physical Exertion
Administrative Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds, Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds
Posting Detail Information
Background Check Statement
This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Benefits:
Vacation & Paid Time OffSalary : $39,275